As we get back into the “school routine,” I am reminded of this story in Matt. 18:1.
“At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, ‘Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’
2He called a child, whom he put among them, 3and said, ‘Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”
We have a special place in our hearts for children. Our value for “these little ones” has led us to start public and “Sunday” schools as well as work for Child labor laws.
Our care and concern has even led us to be over indulgent and extra affirming in ways that can lead to false praise and unearned forgiveness.
And on top of all that, it’s just tough to be a parent these days. With all the media channels and unhealthy ideas floating around our society, children are often influenced in ways parents would be horrified about just a few decades ago.
In the midst of all this is our desire, to offer as a church a safe place where children can come, learn about God, heal from some of their scars and grow into the kind of loving, responsible and graceful people God wants them to be.
To that end we have
We have had Sunday school classes that have “pushed out the walls.” Our activities are fond memories in many of the adults of this valley.
Currently we have a major ministry in the Footsteps Christian Children’s Center* (FCCC) under the direction of April Doria.
FCCC offers infant care, preschool care and after school care so that parents can find and keep the jobs that put food on their tables and a roof over their heads.
With all our economic struggle, enrollment is down, but FCCC is still a vital and powerful ministry not only to the children who come here every day but to their families as well.
We have chapel time once a week and Norma Boggs reads them stories every Monday.
April and I are exploring ways to bring in more bible stories and Christian values into the FCCC environment.
We can also form a “welcoming team” so that every child can be greeted with a smile and a hug from one of our church members as they get out of their cars.
And, of course, we have a wonderful opportunity to offer Parenting classes for all who live in our community.
In addition to that effort we have a growing Christian Education Effort under the direction of Kathryn Barry, Ellen Eslick and Jason Woodman.
Their efforts produce not only classes on Sunday morning for Infants through Youth, but extra activities to enrich the spiritual lives of not only the children and youth, but their parents as well.
The story with Jesus putting a small child in the midst of the Disciples is often told to show our concern and hope for children.
But if you read carefully, it really is about the adults: …the disciples and all of us, who seek to engage Jesus on the deepest level.
“Whoever becomes humble…” Jesus said, “will know the kingdom.”
Our Christian effort is growing, both through our FCCC ministry and our Christian Education ministry.
I thank God for the efforts of all those who have gone before to leave us with such a strong legacy of love toward our children.
And I thank God for all of you who are even now are involved in ways that God can use you in these efforts.
As you hold these ministries in prayer, be sure to talk to any of our leaders who work with Children.
Tell them you are supporting and praying for them. Even offer to help them by joining their support teams.
And best yet, volunteer to help out and/or teach in our classes. It will really help you to understand what Jesus said when he talked about:
4”Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”
How goes it with your soul?
What scripture has stayed with you this week?
What have others learned about Jesus Christ because of you?
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Terry
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